The Exciting Return of the Berlin Thunder to the European League of Football
Berlin Thunder initiate fresh campaign in ELF league - Thunder from Berlin Set for New Campaign
You better strap in, sports fans, because the Berlin Thunder are back for another season in the European League of Football (ELF)! Kicking off on Sunday at 1:00 PM CET, our beloved capital's American Football squad squares off against the Cologne Centurions. Heading the team is none other than Jag Bal, a familiar face who's returned as head coach after a brief stint elsewhere.
Bal, a 40-year old powerhouse, hopped aboard the Thunder train at the Spree River late in January, following the sudden departure of Dean Cokinos. "I didn't have enough time to build the system I would have liked," the coach admitted. Bal, having coached the Thunder in their inaugural ELF season, is determined to make this year a memorable one.
Game-wise, the season ahead looks action-packed for the Berliners, with Jakeb Sullivan, the star quarterback from last season, returning to the fold, but Aaron Jackson, a standout wide receiver, having traded in his Thunder jersey for the Berlin Rebels in the GFL following a series of negotiations. On the bright side, Moritz Thiele and Nicolai Schumann, both '21 recruits, remain with the team, avoiding a mass exodus. Unfortunately, the void left by the departure of stalwart defensive back Kyle Kitchens to the Hamburg Sea Devils, divisional rivals, will be hard to fill.
The North Division of the ELF also boasts the Rhein Fire and the newly formed Nordic Storm. Post the 2024 season, the Thunder has undergone some dramatic changes, including former NFL star Bjoern Werner vacating his shareholder and sports director positions. Now, the reins are held by Ulrich W. Kramer and Rachid Moka.
But wait, there's more. You're probably wondering, "Why the move to the Preussenstadion?" Well, the choice of the Preussenstadion in Berlin-Lankwitz might raise some eyebrows. The entire stadium is in dire need of a facelift, with renovation plans still gathering dust. By Sunday, the bleachers at least should be ready, so fans won't be sitting on beer benches. The contract with BFC Preussen for stadium use is on a three-year lease, as the large stadium in the Jahn-Sportpark could no longer accommodate the Thunder due to demolition plans beginning in autumn '24.
Unfortunately, the Senate Department for the Interior and Sports declined to comment on potential rental debts by the Thunder or consider applications for the use of other suitable senate-owned sports facilities.
So, grab your popcorn, put on your Thunder jersey, and let's cheer on the team as they tackle the new season!
- American Football
- Berlin
- Ulrich W. Kramer
- North Division
- European League of Football
- Sports Facilities
- Germany
- Renovation
- Jakeb Sullivan
- Aaron Jackson
- Kyle Kitchens
- Jag Bal
- BFC Preussen
I'm not going to be able to manage the renovation of the Preussenstadion on my own, especially since Ulrich W. Kramer and Rachid Moka, the new sports directors, are focusing on rebuilding the team for the upcoming season in the North Division of the European League of Football. Meanwhile, sports fans in Berlin should expect a thrilling season of American Football, despite the departure of Aaron Jackson to the Berlin Rebels in the GFL and the loss of Kyle Kitchens to the Hamburg Sea Devils, divisional rivals.
